DeKalb County CASA Beacon

Mark your calendars! In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the dedication and impact of our DeKalb County CASA volunteers with a special Volunteer Appreciation Drop-In. We'd love to see you there!

📅 Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Location: DeKalb County CASA Office, 4309 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032

Join us for an afternoon of gratitude and connection with fellow volunteers. Enjoy light refreshments, pick up school supplies, toiletry items, and blankets to share with the children you advocate for.

Your commitment changes lives—let’s take this time to celebrate you!

March is Social Work Month, and we at the DeKalb County CASA Program are honored to recognize and celebrate the incredible social workers we collaborate with every day. Social workers are essential partners in our mission to advocate for the best interests of children. Their dedication, compassion, and tireless advocacy are vital in ensuring that children and families receive the support they need.

From navigating complex systems to fostering hope and healing, social workers play a crucial role in the lives of the children and families we serve. We deeply appreciate their partnership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Resources for Social Workers & Volunteers:

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW): NASW Link – Explore resources, articles, and webinars for professional development.
• Social Work Helper: socialworkhelper.com – A platform offering news, resources, and networking opportunities for social work professionals.
• Self-Care Tips for Social Workers: Self-care is critical in social work. Consider practices like mindfulness, peer support, and regular breaks to recharge.
• Free Webinars & Trainings: Many organizations offer free or low-cost trainings during Social Work Month—be sure to check with local and national social work groups for upcoming opportunities. Also, see our Continuing Education Oppurtunites below.

We are grateful for our partnership with social workers and celebrate the impactful work they do every day. Thank you for making a difference!

DeKalb County CASA is proud to recognize Desiree Hicks as our Volunteer of the Month for March 2025! Desiree was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in February 2005 and quickly took on her first case. Now, 20 years later, she continues to be a steadfast advocate for children in foster care. Throughout her time as a CASA, she has supported numerous children through various case outcomes, including adoption, reunification, emancipation, and guardianship.

Currently, Desiree is working on a case involving six siblings, and thanks to her dedication and advocacy, only three remain in care. She continues to fight for their best interests, ensuring they have the support and stability they deserve. Desiree was nominated for this honor by her Advocacy Coordinator, Carol Jordan, who recognizes her as a beacon of support for the siblings she serves.

Congratulations, Desiree! We are incredibly grateful for your time, dedication, and compassion. Thank you for making a lasting impact on the lives of children in our community!

This month, we’re excited to celebrate the birthdays of our incredible CASA volunteers! Each of you brings dedication, compassion, and heart to our mission, and we are so grateful for all that you do.

Wishing you all a wonderful birthday filled with joy, love, and celebration. May this year bring new adventures and continued success in your advocacy journeys.

Kyla Okobah: March 3rd

Andrea Hart Vann: March 17th

Kathleen Darrow: March 24th

Katrina Simon-Agolory: March 26th

Taylor Thompson: March 28th

Lizzie Calloway: March 29th

Thank you for all you do to support the children and families we serve.

This month, we’re excited to honor three amazing CASA volunteers who continue to make a meaningful impact through their advocacy.

🎉 Nazarie Romain – 14 Years 🎉

For 14 incredible years, Nazarie has been a dedicated champion for the children she serves. Her commitment, compassion, and perseverance have positively impacted countless lives, and we are so grateful for her longstanding service.

🎉 Adreinne Avery – 2 Years 🎉
In just two years, Adreinne has shown her passion and determination to ensure children’s voices are heard. Her dedication and advocacy efforts have made a lasting difference.

🎉 Lindsey Shaw – 2 Years 🎉
Lindsey’s energy and enthusiasm over the past two years have been a tremendous asset to our CASA community. She continues to go above and beyond for the children she serves.

We are so grateful to Nazarie, Adreinne, and Lindsey for their dedication to DeKalb CASA’s mission. Thank you for all you do to advocate for the children in our community. Here's to many more years of making a difference together!

Celebrating Carol Jordan’s 8th CASAversary!

This month, we proudly celebrate Carol Jordan’s 8th CASAversary with our DeKalb County CASA program! Over the past eight years, Carol has been a tireless advocate for children and a supportive leader for volunteers. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission have made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Carol’s guidance and expertise continue to inspire everyone who has the privilege of working alongside her. Whether offering support to volunteers or collaborating with community partners, Carol always goes above and beyond to ensure children’s voices are heard and their needs are met.

Thank you, Carol, for eight incredible years of service and advocacy. We are beyond grateful for all you bring to our team and the children we serve!

Per National CASA guidelines, all DeKalb County CASA volunteers are expected to fulfill 12 hours of annual continuing education. To meet this requirement, volunteers have the flexibility to engage in various educational opportunities such as conferences, workshops, webinars, reading books, watching relevant movies, and utilizing other educational formats. Topics encompass a wide range, including child welfare, child abuse and neglect, cultural awareness, domestic violence, substance use, mental health, medical conditions, food insecurity, poverty, and more. For further details or assistance in accessing educational resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to Justine Ferreira via email. We're here to support your ongoing learning and development as a CASA or Education Advocate volunteer.

DeKalb CASA Virtual Lunch and Learn with Traci Hurley, CFLE, Senior Program Coordinator

Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

"Deep Dive: Keeping Children Safe in a Digital World"

Monday, March 10, 2025, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Live Session, unfortunately this session is unable to be recorded

In today’s digital age, youth are more connected than ever—but with increased access comes increased risks. Our upcoming training session, Deep Dive: Keeping Kids Safe in the Digital World, will equip CASA volunteers and other child advocates with the tools needed to support youth and keep them safe online.

This informative session will highlight key vulnerabilities unique to youth using technology, explore the stages of online grooming and exploitation and provide practical strategies for protecting and supporting youth in the digital space. By the end of the training, participants will be able to define these risks, identify at least two specific vulnerabilities, and list four essential resources for educating caregivers and youth.

Join us for this vital discussion and strengthen your ability to protect children in the ever-evolving digital landscape! Register here: https://forms.gle/iGkBnuqXMmEoxYax5 or email Justine Ferreira.

"Hidden Victims of Sex Trafficking and Exploitation"

Stephanie V. Blank Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Free, Live Webinar

Tuesday March 18, 2025, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Sex trafficking and exploitation often make headlines, yet many victims remain unseen—especially boys, LGBTQ+ youth, and international victims. As CASA volunteers, it’s crucial to understand the unique risk factors these groups face and how their experiences may differ. This webinar will provide insight into victimization statistics and tailored service and prevention strategies. Participate in the session to deepen your understanding and enhance your advocacy for vulnerable children in our community. Click here to register and view other upcoming training sessions.

"QPR Suicide Prevention Training" with Guide, Inc.

Free, Virtual Sessions

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

QPR—Question, Persuade, Refer—is an emergency response approach that empowers individuals to recognize and respond to someone in crisis. As the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world, QPR provides participants with the tools to identify warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and connect individuals to the help they need. QPR is a simple yet powerful way to make a life-saving difference.

In this training, you’ll learn how to:

• Recognize the warning signs of suicide.
• Intervene with someone at risk.
• Persuade them to seek help.
• Guide them to appropriate resources.

Click here for more information and to register.

"Knowledge to Action Conversation: More than Food: The Link Between Trauma and Teen Eating Disorders" hosted by the Child Welfare Training Collaborative

Free, Virtual Session

Thursday, March 20, 2025, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Eating disorders don’t develop in isolation—they are often shaped by childhood experiences, trauma, and even generational patterns. When a child refuses certain foods or fixates on body image, it may be more than just a phase; it could be a sign of something deeper. Join the Child Welfare Training Collaborative for this insightful training that explores the connection between trauma and eating disorders. This session will debunk common myths, highlight key risk factors, and provide trauma-informed strategies to support children in their healing journey. You’ll leave with practical tools to better understand and assist the children you serve. Register here.

"Mandated Reporter Training" with Prevent Child Abuse Georgia

Free, Virtual Session

Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

As a CASA volunteer, you may suspect child abuse or have a child disclose abuse during your advocacy. However, barriers such as fear, uncertainty about the law, and difficulty recognizing all forms of maltreatment can make reporting challenging.

This Mandated Reporter training will help volunteers:

• Recognize risk factors associated with abuse and neglect prevention
• Understand how mandated reporting laws apply to them
• Define different types of abuse and their indicators
• Learn how to handle a disclosure of abuse
• Follow the proper procedures for reporting suspected abuse
• Distinguish between the role of the community in supporting families and DFCS’s role in investigating reports

This essential training will empower volunteers to fulfill their legal and ethical responsibilities while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Register here.

Child Welfare Training Collaborative

Free, On-Demand Training, 3 hours

Trauma/Brain 101: Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Children and the Brain

This course provides participants with essential knowledge about child trauma and its lasting effects. It will also explore the impact of complex trauma on behavior, development, and the developing brain. Register here.

"The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity" by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

The Deepest Well offers a groundbreaking look at how adversity impacts lifelong health. Dr. Burke Harris, a pediatrician and public health advocate, explores the science behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their lasting effects on both physical and mental health.

Through compelling stories and research, she explains how toxic stress caused by trauma can increase the risk of chronic diseases, mental health struggles, and even shortened lifespans. More importantly, she provides insight into how resilience, early intervention, and supportive relationships—like those CASA volunteers provide—can help children heal and thrive.

This powerful book is an essential read for anyone working with children impacted by adversity. It offers not only a deeper understanding of the challenges our CASA children face but also hope and strategies for breaking the cycle of trauma.

The book can be found at the DeKalb County Public Library.

"The Way I Feel" by Janan Cain

Helping children recognize and express their emotions is an important part of their growth and well-being. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces young readers to a wide range of emotions, from happy and sad to frustrated and excited. Through playful rhymes and colorful artwork, the book makes it easier for children to understand and talk about their feelings.

This book is a great tool for CASA volunteers to share with their CASA children.

Recommended by Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children for the 4-8 year old age group. The book can be found at the DeKalb County Public Library.

by Vickie Thomas, Senior Advocacy Coordinator

As CASA advocates, we know that there are only two permanent solutions for children in care: reunification and adoption. During my tenure with DeKalb CASA, I have seen many children find permanency through adoption when reunification has not been successful. Once adoption is determined to be the permanency plan then there are different manifestations that can occur. For one, adoptions can be either ‘open’ or ‘closed’. An open adoption is one where the adopted child and family have an open relationship with the birth family. In some cases, it may be due to both parents being deceased. In a closed adoption, the records are sealed and there is no relationship between the adoptive and birth families. As a CASA advocate, when adoption is the plan, advocacy entails partnering with the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to make sure the child is involved in programs that will provide opportunities to match them with the adoptive family. “Wednesday’s Child” on FOX News highlights children in a ‘foster-to-adopt’ segment to assist in finding the right fit and DFCS can register the child with the organization “It’s My Turn Now” to explore all avenues for pursuing permanency through adoption. As a CASA advocate, we have a critical role in making sure the children we serve find safe, permanent homes. If the child you serve finds their ‘forever home’ through adoption, celebrate with them at the adoption ceremony just like you would when families are able to be reunified!

The Angel Wings project aims to provide essential supplies, uniforms, and other necessary items to children we serve, enabling them to participate in extracurricular and enrichment activities. To request assistance through the Angel Wings project, please obtain the request forms from DeKalb County CASA Program staff via email at dekalbcasa@dekalbcasa.org. These forms must be completed by a referring source and include the child’s name, age, gender, grade, and specific needs, along with the contact information of the individual making the referral. Once completed, please return the form either by mail to P.O. Box 768, Avondale Estates, GA 30002, or via email. Our team will ensure that the information is passed on to a member of our Angel Wings Crew for fulfillment, if possible.

We want to update you on our current operational status. The DeKalb County CASA Program staff will continue to primarily operate virtually and remotely but will be in the office as well. Rest assured, all DeKalb County CASA staff members remain available and accessible via their direct email addresses. You can find the email addresses of our staff listed on our website or by clicking the link provided at the bottom of this newsletter.

Our Advocacy Coordinators are committed to maintaining their support for volunteers and cases. They will continue to meet with volunteers through virtual platforms, collaborate with case teams, and diligently work on all assigned cases to ensure the best outcomes for the children we serve.

Additionally, our volunteer recruitment efforts remain ongoing. We will continue to host Volunteer Information Sessions, conduct interviews, and provide training sessions virtually throughout 2024. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please encourage them to reach out to us.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together. Your commitment to our mission is truly appreciated.

• Alecea Quintyne, Chair
  
• Norman Pitts, Vice-Chair
• Ketiwe Zipperer, Secretary
• Tara Daniels, Executive Director
• Dr. Tabitha Carney, Member
  
• Jill Davis, Member
• Dr. Freda Hammonds, Member
• Christian Mitchell Murphy, Member
• Dr. Jeanne D. Williams
  

Email: dekalbcasa@dekalbcasa.org
Website: www.dekalbcasa.org
Location: 4309 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404 378 0038
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dekalbCASAGA/